Coopers 2012 Extra Strong Vintage Ale was launched last Friday at a special event at the Coopers Alehouse in Adelaide. Chief Brewer Dr Tim Cooper says that this year’s Vintage Ale once again lived up to the high standards expected by Coopers’ legion of fans.
“We’ve kept to our philosophy of using only superior ingredients,” he says. “[And] have used no less than five different cultivators of hops to achieve a full-flavoured, aromatic beer, with a fusion of tropical fruity esters and citrus characters.
“German varieties, Perle and Magnum, provide the foundation for the bitterness of Vintage Ale 2012, while Nelson Sauvin from our neighbours in New Zealand helps to impart a distinctive fruitiness.
“American varieties, Centennial and Cascade, provide the delicate citrusy and grapefruit notes.”
Dr Tim explained that the combinations of these varieties blend together during fermentation in both aroma and flavour to become the feature of this year’s Vintage Ale. And with an ABV of 7.5 per cent, it continues to uphold the tradition of being the strongest beer Coopers brews.
According to Coopers’ Chairman Mr Glenn Cooper, this year’s Vintage Ale had taken on a new look with a streamlined 355 mL bottle. “After receiving such a positive response following the release of 355 ml Celebration Ale bottles, we anticipate the same enthusiasm for Vintage,” he says. “As always, limited production and strong demand in the market will see stocks of 2012 Vintage Ale move rapidly.”
For food matching, Dr Cooper recommends pairing the complex flavour of this year’s brew with hearty meat and poultry dishes or even savouring it with sweet desserts or strong cheeses.
The 2012 Vintage Ale is retailing at RRP$75.00 per carton, or RRP$22.00 per six pack.